Academia has always been my comfort zone. School was “fun” and a social outlet for me. I did my undergraduate work at Stony Brook University, where I met my husband in my freshman year. My personal education continued by earning a Masters’ Degree and a Post Doctoral degree from Queens College. I studied Hebrew and became a Bat Mitzvah at the age of 35. Several years later, I earned an Ed.D. in mathematics education from St. John’s University. I could then be called Dr. Anita Barach Sobol.

 
I began teaching immediately after graduating college and taught until my first child was born. We raised two ambitious and successful sons in Dix Hills. They, in turn, found wonderful wives and rewarded us with four fantastic grandchildren. After my children were in school full time, with the support of my husband, sister, and friends, I returned to teaching mathematics and computer science in Queens. As the opportunities arose, I became an Assistant Principal, and, within a few years, Principal of JHS 194 in Whitestone.

 
When my first grandson was born, I decided to retire early. We moved to Virginia to be nearby. The closest synagogue was 25 miles away (Congregation Sha’are Shalom in Leesburg). The Rabbi and congregants were supportive in helping me form a Jewish presence in Haymarket, where we lived. I became a life member of Hadassah. My goal was to bring together many Jewish families living in the vicinity, through luncheons, dinners, outings, and meetings with a traveling rabbi. I taught the women of my 55+ community how to play Mah Jongg. This game became so popular that I was able set up tournaments, which are still going on today.

 
In Virginia, I continued teaching, as an adjunct professor in several colleges. I instructed graduate students and administrators on finance and leadership skills, as well as doing onsite supervision. I do not know who learned more, those in the one room school or me coming from an urban city school! After 10 years, with my son relocating, I was ready to return to New York. We came back to Long Island and joined North Shore Jewish Center, where we immediately felt “at home.” 

I started attending events and assisting where I could. I received the Sisterhood Emerging Leadership Award. I updated the membership list on the BQLI Region website and made monthly calls to the homebound during COVID. A friend and I decided to undertake the challenge of managing and overhauling the NSJC Judaica Shop. Countless hours were spent, setting up, purchasing, and selling Judaica items. Several years ago, I attended the Women’s League Convention in Virginia where I interacted with other Judaica Shop Chairs. This endeavor provided me an outlet for shopping, managing, meeting people, and becoming a member of the Sisterhood Executive Board. In short, NSJC has been, and continues to be, a fulfilling and worthwhile experience.

 

Though continually supporting the synagogue, I never thought I did anything outstanding. It was, thus, a true surprise to be selected this year’s Woman of Achievement. I am truly humbled and honored.